Google updates Gmail with previously rumored categories

Google's previously rumored update to Gmail and its interface has been made official by the web giant. Earlier today, Google unveiled its updated Gmail interface and new sorting mechanisms that aim to make e-mail simpler and easier to use. Check out the video they released on YouTube:

The new sorting mechanisms attempt to categorize e-mail. Tabs can be created for promotions, updates, social, and primary e-mail. Starred e-mail and e-mail from friends will show up in your primary tab, which is the tab shown by default on the new Gmail app. E-mails from social networks and forums are sent to the social tab.

Users who don't like the new tabs can disable them completely and use the old interface. The tabs are also configurable, meaning you can have anywhere from zero to five tabs, depending on your needs and wants.